11 Disability-Friendly Employers

The Equality Act 2010 legally protects people from discrimination at work and in society. Disability-friendly employers are committed to providing high standards of equality and diversity in the workplace. As a result, some companies and organisations can provide opportunities for people with disabilities, by offering anything from a short work experience placement through to paid employment.

At Careers with Disabilities, we strive to provide you with the information you need to find the career that best suits you. For this reason, we have put together a list of 11 disability-friendly employers who offer accessible apprenticeships, work placements, full-time employment and more.

1. The Business Disability Forum

The Business Disability Forum is a not-for-profit membership organisation that exists to transform the life chances of disabled people, working through and with business to create a disability-smart world. Furthermore, disability and inclusion are at the core of what they do. In particular, over 60% of their staff have said they have a disability or a long-term health condition. They are registered as a level two Disability Confident organisation.

2. Disability Law Service

Disability Law Service (DLS) provides free legal advice and representation for disabled people regarding employment (including discrimination in the workplace), community care, housing and welfare benefits. In detail, their purpose is to tackle poverty and inequality in disabled communities by securing legal rights and entitlements. DLS is registered as a level two Disability Confident organisation and employer.

3. HM Treasury

HM Treasury maintains control over public spending, sets the direction of the UK’s economic policy and works to achieve healthy and sustainable economic growth. As an equal opportunities employer, they welcome applications from candidates with protected characteristics. HM Treasury is a level 3 Disability Confident organisation.

4. Defence Science and Technology Laboratory

Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) are responsible for designing, developing and applying the very latest in science and technology for the benefit of UK defence and security, across government. DSTL is an inclusive working environment and, therefore, they encourage everyone to bring their whole self to work. As a result, they welcome disabled applications, including neurodiverse candidates. They are registered as level one Disability Confident.

5. The Care Inspectorate

The Care Inspectorate is a scrutiny body that supports the improvement of Scotland’s quality of care. They believe that people in Scotland should experience a better quality of life due to accessible services. They are currently registered as level one of the Disability Confident Scheme.

6. Hightown

Hightown is a charitable housing association (operating in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire) aiming to help people who need support and care or who cannot afford to buy or rent a home. They aim to positively impact local communities by developing homes and supporting individuals to live with confidence. Hightown is currently registered as level two of the Disability Confident Scheme.

7. Diversity and Ability

Diversity and Ability is an award-winning disabled-led social enterprise paving the way for a future where everyone is welcomed and included. Equality is at the very heart of what they do. Their work strives to highlight the inherent value diversity brings to society, harnessing difference and celebrating it. Diversity and Ability is level three Disability Confident.

8. Careers with Disabilities

At Careers with Disabilities, we enable jobs for disabled people by providing information, support and connection for disabled jobseekers and inclusive employers. We provide flexible working practices, including flexible working hours and remote working, endeavouring to provide equipment, technology and support to employees to overcome any challenges they may face in doing their jobs effectively. We have registered as a level two Disability Confident company.

9. Financial Conduct Authority

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) aims to make markets work well by regulating the conduct of nearly 60,000 businesses. They strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace that is free from discrimination and bias. FCA respect and values their team’s differences and believe that these contribute to more productive work as a regulator. FCA is registered as a level 3 Disability Confident organisation.

10. ScotRail

ScotRail is a supportive place to work, filled with great people, where you can start or further develop your career with choices that will match your ambition. In particular, inclusion at ScotRail is about creating a deep sense of belonging and support. ScotRail is currently registered as level one Disability Confident.

11. Atkins

Atkins is one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies. Their aim is for the company to represent all sections of society and that each employee feels worthy and able to give their best. Atkins is currently at level two in the Disability Confident Scheme.

The Disability Confident Scheme is a government scheme that encourages businesses to become more disability-friendly. For further information, you can visit the dedicated page on our website.

To find more Disability Confident employers visit our directory.